Passport Correction Services
Changing or adding a surname in your Indian passport is an important process to ensure that your passport reflects your correct legal name. If you are adding a surname after marriage or including a family name, you will need to apply for a reissue of the passport.
The first step is to download Form No. II for miscellaneous services. After filling out the required information, submit it at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO), along with supporting documents, including Annexure F, for name correction.
It is crucial to update your surname to keep your passport consistent with other official documents, which helps avoid complications when applying for visas, booking travel, or addressing legal matters.
If you want to know how to add surname in Indian passport, following the detailed instructions and providing all the necessary documents will ensure that the process is completed smoothly and without any delays.
Why Add a Surname in Indian Passport?
Adding a surname to your Indian passport is a common and important step for those needing to match their passport with other official documents. For example, many countries, including the United States, require a surname to be included in the passport for visa processing.
It’s essential to update your surname if you’ve changed it due to marriage, a legal name change, or for consistency with your family name.
Surname change in passport India is part of ensuring your passport accurately represents your identity, especially when traveling internationally or dealing with legal matters.
Indian passport surname correction is necessary when your name has changed and needs to be reflected on official documents. For those changing their surname after marriage, the process involves submitting the appropriate forms and documents to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
Annexure F must be submitted for name corrections along with valid identity proofs such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or PAN card.
While updating your surname is essential for consistency with documents like your Aadhaar card and PAN card, it also simplifies visa processing and travel.
In some cases, people may add their spouse’s surname or family name for shared identity. This step is often part of ensuring that all legal documents match and align.
Who Can Apply for Add or Change Surname in Passport?
Adding or changing your surname in an Indian passport is an important update. There are several situations where this change is necessary, such as after marriage, divorce, or a personal decision to adopt a new surname.
After Marriage
Women often choose to update their surname after marriage to match their spouse’s surname. To do so, applicants must apply for a reissue of the passport and submit the marriage certificate along with Annexure F (name correction form). This process ensures that the updated surname is correctly recorded on the passport.
After Divorce or Remarriage
After divorce or remarriage, individuals may also need to update their surname in the passport. This requires submitting a divorce decree or marriage certificate along with an affidavit explaining the reason for the name change. If a person wishes to revert to their maiden name after a divorce, the death certificate of the spouse, if applicable, must be provided as part of the documentation.
Changing Surname for Other Reasons
Apart from marriage and divorce, individuals may want to change their surname for other personal reasons, such as correcting a spelling mistake or adopting a new family name. In this case, an affidavit stating the reason for the surname change is required. Depending on the circumstances, a newspaper advertisement or Gazette notification may also be necessary.
Documents Needed for Surname Change in Indian Passport
To apply for a surname change in Indian passport, you need to ensure that all documents are correctly submitted. These documents are crucial for the passport correction process and will help facilitate the reissue without delays.
Here’s a list of essential documents for surname correction:
- Annexure F (for name correction)
- Marriage Certificate (if surname change is due to marriage)
- Aadhaar Card (to confirm identity)
- Voter ID or PAN Card (if required as supplementary identity proof)
- Passport Copy (if available)
- FIR Copy (in case of legal reasons like divorce)
- Affidavit (for personal reasons, like adopting a new surname)
- Passport Reissue Form (available at PSK or RPO)
- Self-attested Photocopies of all documents
These documents are necessary for surname correction passport India and ensure your application is processed without issues.
The Annexure F format should be filled with the correct details, and the Marriage Certificate is crucial if your surname change is due to marriage. An FIR copy will be necessary if you are changing your surname for legal reasons, like a divorce or remarriage. Make sure all documents match your Aadhaar card details and are self-attested.
Submit all required documents along with your Passport Reissue Form at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) for surname correction.
What is Process to Add Surname in Indian Passport
If you need to add or change your surname in your Indian passport, the process is straightforward but important for ensuring your passport matches your updated identity.
The process is straightforward but requires the right steps and documents.
Step 1: Fill the Application Form online
The first step in the surname change in passport India process is to fill out the passport reissue form online. On the Passport Seva website, select “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” as the reason for the reissue and provide your new surname.
Upload the required documents, such as Annexure F for name correction, and ensure all fields are filled accurately.
Step 2: Submit the Required Documents
You will need to upload documents like Annexure F, proof of name change (e.g., Marriage Certificate if applicable), and Aadhaar Card or other identity documents. Make sure all documents are self-attested, as this is a standard requirement for passport reissue.
Step 3: Book an Appointment at PSK
Once the form and documents are submitted, you need to book an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO). Print your appointment receipt and take it with you on the day of the appointment.
You will also need to track your application status online using the Indian passport status portal.
Step 4: Attend the PSK Appointment
At the PSK or RPO, you will submit your original documents, provide biometrics, and have your photograph taken. Ensure you carry both original and self-attested copies of your documents to avoid any issues.
Step 5: Submission and Verification at RPO
After your PSK appointment, your application will be sent to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) for further verification. The RPO will cross-check all submitted documents and ensure there are no discrepancies before processing your request.
Step 6: Collect the Updated Passport
Once the verification is complete, you can either collect your reissued passport from PSK or RPO, or have it delivered to your address by post. If collecting in person, bring the required receipt and proof.
Can You Change Surname in Passport Offline?
Yes, you can change your surname in your Indian passport offline. To changethis, follow these steps:
- Create an affidavit: Mention your old name, new surname, and the reason for the change.
- Publish in the Gazette of India: The name change must be published in the official Gazette.
- Place newspaper advertisements: Publish two separate advertisements in different newspapers announcing the name change.
- Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK): Submit the necessary documents and application at PSK to complete the process.
This procedure is required for anyone changing their surname, including after marriage or other legal reasons. Make sure all documents are in order to avoid delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Surname in Passport
When adding a surname to your Indian passport, it’s crucial to ensure that all details are accurate. Mistakes in the application can cause delays or rejections. Here are some common errors to avoid:
Incorrect Spelling of the Surname: Double-check your surname spelling against official documents like your Aadhaar card or marriage certificate. Small errors can lead to delays.
Incorrect Order of Names: Place your surname in the correct section. The surname must not be listed under “Given Name” on the form.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: Ensure you submit all necessary documents, including Annexure F for name correction, your Aadhaar card, and a marriage certificate (if applicable). Missing documents will delay processing.
Not Signing the Application: Don’t forget to sign the application where required. A missing signature can result in rejection.
Failure to Submit Proof of Name Change: If your surname change is due to marriage or another reason, provide proof such as a Gazette notification or a newspaper clipping announcing the change.
Not Using Capital Letters: Follow Passport Seva guidelines and write your surname in capital letters. This ensures clarity and prevents errors.
Not Paying Fees Before Submission: Ensure the necessary fees are paid before submitting the application. Missing payments will delay the process.
Using Incorrect Suffixes: Avoid adding suffixes like “Jr.” or “Sr.” unless they are part of your legal name. Incorrect suffixes can cause confusion.
How many days will it take to add a surname to a passport?
The process of adding a surname to your Indian passport typically takes 15 to 30 days after you submit your application. This time may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the region you are applying from.
For example, if there are complications like name changes after marriage, adoption, or for minors, the process might take up to 30 days. It is important to ensure that all documents are correct and submitted on time to avoid delays.
Residents of certain regions, like Jammu and Kashmir or Nagaland may experience longer delays due to extended police verification. It is essential to plan accordingly and keep track of the application progress to avoid unnecessary wait times.
Fees for Changing your Surname on the Indian Passport
The fee for changing your surname on an Indian passport depends on the type of service you are applying for. Here are the common fees:
- Passport with 10-year validity (60 pages): Rs. 2,000
- Passport with 10-year validity (36 pages): Rs. 1,500
- Tatkaal application: Rs. 2,000 (in addition to regular charges)
These fees cover the reissue process, and the final amount can vary based on the type of passport and urgency of the application. Always ensure that the correct payment is made to avoid delays in processing your surname change request.